Ottawa Senators Goalie Linus Ullmark Gets A Standing Ovation (And A Victory) In His Return To Boston

As far as Boston fans are concerned, once a Bruin, always a Bruin.

On Saturday night, even though he now wears enemy colours, Bruins fans paid tribute to Linus Ullmark's excellent three seasons with the club.

During the first TV timeout, the Bruins fired up a welcome back video on the scoreboard, filled with highlights from Ullmark’s time in Boston. When it was over, as a testament to their three-year love affair, the fans gave him a standing ovation, and Ullmark, with his mask tilted back, applauded right back to them.

Ullmark was traded to Ottawa back in June for Mark Kastelic, Joonas Korpisalo and the 2024 first-round pick that would become Braeside's Dean Letourneau.

Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman were thick as thieves during their time in Boston, becoming famous for their excellence and their trademark post game hugs after victories. But when Swayman started 12 of the Bruins' 13 games in the playoffs, and both goalies soon looking for big new contracts, it became clear they could only afford one under the cap, and Swayman would be the guy.

The two coaches deserve a cap tip for seeing the theatre of the moment and ensuring the two goalies got the start.

In the end, the Senators came away with a much-needed 3-2 overtime victory to snap a two game skid. Ullmark made a massive save in overtime on a Boston 2 on 1, the first save he had to make in almost an hour, and then Brady Tkachuk stormed down the ice and beat Swayman with a snap shot.

After the game, Ullmark was asked about his emotions

"There was certainly a lot," Ullmark said. "Not going to lie, it was a lot, especially during warmups. I had goosebumps going out there and hearing the crowd again. Just getting to win in this barn is not easy. It's something you do dream of, especially when you're going coming in here as opponents as well. And you really want to bring your A-game. You want to do that. And we haven't really done that lately. But I thought that today we're really showed what kind of a team we are."

Ullmark says he loved the way the club played. How could he not after they allowed zero shots in the third period in a tie game on the road?

"It's a statement game, so to speak. And we just have to learn that this is a sort of game that we have to play every single night. And not just sometimes here and there."

No matter how the rest of the season goes, Saturday night's victory in Boston will be an evening Linus Ullmark will never forget.

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